Stephen Jay Gould

Pioneering biologist known for punctuated equilibrium and 'Non-Overlapping Magisteria'

Chronology: 1941-09-10 – 2002-05-20

Origins & Early Life

Stephen Jay Gould ( GOOLD; September 10, 1941 – May 20, 2002) was an American paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, historian of science, and one of the most widely read authors of popular science of his generation. Gould spent most of his career teaching at Harvard University and working at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. In 1996, Gould was hired as the Vincent Astor Visiting Research Professor of Biology at New York University, after which he divided his time teaching between there and Harvard. Gould's most significant contribution to his field was the theory of punctuated equilibrium developed with Niles Eldredge in 1972.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The theory proposes that most evolution is characterized by long periods of evolutionary stability, infrequently punctuated by swift periods of branching speciation. The theory was contrasted against phyletic gradualism, the popular idea that evolutionary change is marked by a pattern of smooth and continuous change in the fossil record. Most of Gould's empirical research was based on the land snail genera Poecilozonites and Cerion. He also made important contributions to evolutionary developmental biology, receiving broad professional recognition...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Source: Wikipedia